Introduction

From staring at a screen too many times a day, to being at work, or any other responsibility that keeps you from taking a breath of fresh air, the allure of nature beckons us to step outside and reconnect with the natural world. Beyond its awe-inspiring beauty, the great outdoors offers numerous benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From reducing stress and boosting creativity to promoting physical fitness and enhancing overall happiness, spending time in nature has a profound impact on our lives. This article explores the boundless benefits of embracing nature and why it is keen to take time out of our day to pause and reconnect with the outdoors. 

Mental Restoration

The therapeutic power of nature in alleviating stress and anxiety cannot be overstated. Immersing ourselves in natural environments, whether it’s a serene forest, a tranquil beach, or a sprawling meadow, has been proven to lower cortisol  levels, decrease heart rate, and induce relaxation. In an article by Radikha Bohra titled To Raise Mental Health Awareness, Read Personal Stories Of How Nature  Can Nurture Human Wellbeing she states that, “For me and many of my Gen Z peers, as well as millennials who grew up in a post-internet and smartphone  society, the time we spend outside has become less and less as we often find  ourselves immersed within our digital worlds… Researchers from Arizona State University found that setting aside just 20 minutes a day to stroll outside and get  some sun exposure or sit in a place that puts you in contact with some aspect of  nature can significantly lower your stress hormone levels.”

Nature acts as a  soothing balm for our overworked minds, providing a much-needed respite from the daily pressures of life. A walk in the woods or simply laying in the park can  promote mental restoration, clarity of thought, and a sense of inner peace.  

Physical Health and Vitality

Engaging in outdoor activities offers a multitude of physical health benefits. Nature provides a diverse and stimulating playground for exercise and movement. Nature is there to offer us a choice to switch from the indoors and be outside with a multitude of space to be free and let go. Sometimes it can be difficult to find time to get outside and be in nature, but in this case, you can always bring the outdoors to you! Buying a couple of plants or flowers can really lift up the energy in the space you spend most of your time in.

If you do have time to go outside but don’t feel like exercising or sweating, try grounding yourself by a term known as “Earthing”. In Dr. Brooke’s Holistic Guide Book in the section titled Environment she states, “Earthing, or connecting  to the earth directly, charges the body immediately with an abundant supply of  electrons on and within the earth’s surface. This reconnection yields a  physiological and psychological shift immediately, and in this case, more is better. Some interesting studies have shown that just by placing your bare feet on the  ground for 20 minutes at a time, you can drastically change the course of your day.  This practice has also been shown to reduce stress, inflammation, and pain, normalize biological rhythms and improve adrenal function, sleep and energy throughout the day.”

Grounding can also be very beneficial when you set an intention with yourself and the ground below you. The fresh air and sunlight also contribute to the synthesis of Vitamin D, which is an essential building block for the whole body. If you live in the Orlando/Sanford area, a great place to go hiking is at the Black Bear Wilderness Area! For more nature trails and fun outdoor activity ideas in the Central Florida area, check our Healthy Orlando Guide right here.

Connection and Mindfulness

Nature offers an opportunity for self-reflection, introspection, and mindfulness. By immersing ourselves in the natural world, we can disconnect from the constant noise and distractions of modern life and reconnect with ourselves and the present moment. Nature’s rhythmic patterns and interconnectedness reminds us of our place in the world, fostering a sense of connection and gratitude.

Every time I go to the beach for example, I cannot help but feel so little compared to the vast sea in front of me that has given us life and peace. It is truly humbling. Just being outside is great but also finding our presence in the outdoors can readily help our vibrations and energy. In Dr. Brooke’s article titled High Vibes, On Keeping High Vibrations she has a section that states, “Noticing what people, places, things and situations give back when you show up is  another important part of the process. This is not about expectation and control. This is about simply noticing what lifts you up, what feels good and healthy, and  allowing yourself to make informed choices from this space.”

Nature intrinsically offers this reciprocal exchange, helping us to heal, teaching us to grow as we become more mindful, present and appreciative of the beauty found in even the simplest of things. 

For more information on building a solid foundation, check out the Let Go & Grow Mind Body Reset Program and other resources available on Let Go & Grow’s website.

Julianne Sack

Julianne Sack comes from a small town in southwest Florida known as Naples where she lived most her life and decided to come to Orlando to study Biomedicine. Julianne’s parents are both immigrants from South America who came to the states for not only a better life for themselves but a better life for their future children. Julianne has always enjoyed challenges and believed a medical career would suit her ethic, but as she grew up, she discovered a lot of corruption and dishonesty in the medical field and decided this may not be the right path for her. During the quarantine of Covid-19, she spent a lot of time with herself and started to learn a lot about the power of the mind and healing the body through more natural remedies and activities. In turn, Julianne’s path for her future now consists of functional medicine and holistic counseling.

Julianne’s Mind Body Reset Affiliate Link